close call

I'm no Ebenezer. In fact, the smell of fresh pine (or even pine candles for that matter) just gets me all Christmassy. But, this Elf on the Shelf business makes me a little wary. For those not in the know, here's the lowdown: A scout Elf is sent to a family via Barnes and Noble, whereupon he or she (let's be politically correct here) is named and adopted. From that moment on, the elf is not be touched or it will lose its magic and cannot report its findings to Santa...namely, whether that child has been naughty or nice that particular day.

True parents, this is a genius tool to manipulate your children into good behavior for 25 days or so, ("ah ah ah, the elf is watching"), but it's a bit melodramatic. Part of the magic of Christmas lies in our imaginations...in the, what we don't see and never do. The reindeer we think we hear prancing on the roof, just missing Santa slipping up the chimney, or cookie crumbs left messily on the plate. Do we really need such an elf? It's cute idea in theory. It's made a bang for its buck...great for commercial America. But flawed in my traditional, perhaps simple opinion.

The other day I took the kids into the mecca bookstore as we often do...to read, chill in comfy oversized chairs, browse.

To what to their wondering eyes did appear? A whole wall full of elves covered in decorative plastic...that's what.

Much to their surprise. No. That's not the word. Shock, stun...and it was then did I witness Christmas spirit almost make a grand exit with childhood innocence trailing behind it.

"Jessica, what's that? How did they do that?" Why is our elf in so many boxes? Why is he in this STORE? Doesn't he live at the North pole with Santa or at a kid's house??!?" Insert nervous laughter.

(Fear sets in. Eyes widen.) They look to me for answers.

And I scramble. And scramble some more.

And I rest my case. But it bears repeating...

It really is our on-the-inside that holds all things beautiful. The things we do not see so readily.

I cleaned up the mess and we made it out alive. Upon return, I gave into the shpeel, gave our elf a hug for good measure and comfort, let them see he's loved and perhaps has feeling (adults are allowed to, fear not). Yet in a world where so much seems to be tactile, it feels good to know at this time all true warm and fuzzies come from somewhere inside, hidden from view...unless of course you're of this generation and are fed the tangible daily concept that $29.99 elves are reporting back to Santa and if you're not "good," he won't bring you any toys...er...Harsh.

"And now here is my secret, a very simple secret; it is only with the heart that one can see rightly, what is essential is invisible to the eye." Antoine de Saint-Exupery, The Little Prince